Procedure for creating a digital factory model in brownfield planning

Companies need valid models of their production and logistics systems as well as their buildings to plan and optimize their production facilities. For the most part, these models are not up-to-date, sometimes only available as PDF documents and not as CAD models, and certainly not as digital 3D models. Despite long-established technology such as laser scanning, 3D factory models are not yet widespread in the industry. A survey conducted underpins the need for a process model. This article presents a process model for creating a digital factory model to solve the problem addressed. The digital factory model is created in seven steps, starting with the definition of objectives, followed by the selection and use of suitable hardware and software. It enables stakeholders in production and logistics to plan and optimize more efficiently. The procedure is applied and evaluated in an industrial project.